Astus 14.5 First tests validated!

Jean-Hubert Pommois, founder and manager of Astus, took advantage of the first period of lockdown in France last spring to think about a minimalist multihull.

Published 24/11/2020

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 15

Published: jan. / feb. 2021

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The idea was to develop a monodrome proa - she sails alternatively with her float to windward or leeward - in the spirit of the Proa 42 of the 1980s, i.e. easily transportable on the roof of a car and quick to assemble and rig, even on your own. Initially, Jean-Hubert used existing hulls from the Astus range... and then VPLP naval architects got involved: the Astus 14.5 has been bestowed with new hulls... The float fits into the main hull and the Astus 14.5 is available, with larger link arms and an additional float, as a pocket trimaran. The first tests with VPLP took place on Saturday, November 21st. Initial feedback: “in prao mode, it's fun, you play a balancing act, just like in skiff. In trimaran configuration, it's a quiet ride!”. Multihulls World will be on board on November 24th!

Builder: Astus Boats

Architects: VPLP

Overall length: 14’3” (4.35 m)

Float length: 9’2” (2.8 m)

Beam prao: 5’1” (1.55 m)

Beam trimaran: 7’11” (2.4 m)

Width central hull: 23” (58 cm)

Mast: 15’5” (4.7 m), two parts

Mainsail area: 54 sq ft (5 m²)

Gennaker: 54 sq ft (5 m²)

Weight: 77 lbs (35 kg)

Central hull weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)